Director of Orientation and New Student Programs

University of California, Riverside; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Director of Orientation and New Student Programs at University of California, Riverside leads the comprehensive new student engagement portfolio, including New Highlander Orientation and related programming, serving first-years, transfers, and commuter students. The role partners with Admissions and Undergraduate Education to shape content and events that foster belonging and retention.

The position focuses on creating holistic programs that integrate academic success and social development,

Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive new student engagement portfolio including New Highlander Orientation and New Student Programming.
• Collaborate with Admissions and Undergraduate Education on communication, programming and content for orientation.
• Develop retention programming and cross-campus collaborations to improve belonging and persistence.

Job description

Director of Orientation and New Student Programs

Priority Application Deadline: 08/27/2026

Job ID
37751439 Category
Student and Educational Services Organization
Student Affairs Department
Orientation Location
Main Campus - UCR Salary
$106,200 - $202,200 Date Posted
August 6, 2026 Application Deadline
Open Until Filled Schedule
8AM - 5PM Full/Part Time
Full-time(100%) Level of Supervision
General Direction Personnel Program Code
Management & Sr Professional Other Information
Qualifies for Employee Referral Bonus: No UC Internal Job: No

Position Information

The Director of Orientation and New Student Programs will lead a comprehensive new student engagement portfolio of New Highlander Orientation and New Student Programming, including supporting first-years, transfers, student parents and commuters. The Director will be the primary liaison between Admissions and Undergraduate Education throughout the Orientation development process, collaborating on communication, programming and content. This position plays a critical role in student retention efforts and will lead initiatives across campus in this area. This position will develop orientation and new student programming that integrates co-curricular components in the areas of academic success and social development. It is expected that the successful candidate will increase collaboration with departments across campus, continuously revitalize orientation programming to meet the needs of each new cohort of students and develop holistic new student programs that lead to a great sense of belonging for new students. The Director will also develop retention programming including, but not limited to, 2nd year retention and pre-college programs with an emphasis on collaboration across campus. Additional responsibilities include New Student Welcome, the Peer Mentor program and the creation of new programs of similar content.The salary range for this position is $106,200.00 - $202,200.00 annually. However, the expected pay scale for this position is up to $140,000.00 annually. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs.Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, UCR is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff.As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.